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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Windows 10 will die this fall — here's how to survive
You've probably heard the news by now: Windows 10 is slated to reach end of life on October 14, 2025. If you're one of the countless among us who still use Windows 10, don't stress — your copy of Windows won't suddenly shut down and self-destruct if you turn it on after October 15. However, the clock is ticking. Over time your Windows PC is going to become a problem. After October, Microsoft claims it will no longer offer tech support or release security updates for Windows 10, so you want to do something about it sooner rather than later. I know because I review Windows and Windows PCs for a living, so I've been following this story since Microsoft first pronounced the death of Windows 10. I also wrote our Windows 11 review, and I think it's gotten a lot better since it debuted in 2021. So if you're ready to make the upgrade to Windows 11, I'll guide you through the process and get you set up right. But if you're not ready to make the jump, you still have time to enjoy Windows 10. In fact, there are a few ways to keep getting critical security patches from Microsoft for a full year after the company kills it off. Not ready to give up and upgrade to Windows 11? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Good news: Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that will allow you to keep receiving critical Windows 10 security updates for an additional year. The company is rolling out a new ESU enrollment wizard to Windows 10 users that will nag you to join the ESU program so your copy of Windows 10 can continue to get critical updates after October 2025. That's right, you can give your copy of Windows 10 a stay of execution until October 13, 2016 if you enroll. Microsoft has offered similar extension programs during past Windows upgrade periods, but they've typically only been open to enterprise customers and big businesses. This is the first time the rest of us can enroll in such a program, and Microsoft is charging you $30 for the privilege. But paying is just one of the ways you can avoid upgrading to Windows 11 for a year via the ESU. There are two other options you can take advantage of if you'd rather not pay: Paying 1,000 Microsoft points: if you have at least 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points sitting dormant in your Microsoft Rewards account you can cash them in via the Windows 10 ESU enrollment app in exchange for a free year of critical Windows 10 updates. if you don't, it doesn't take long to earn them — you can earn 500 Microsoft Rewards points just for downloading the Bing smartphone app, for example. Back up your data to Microsoft's servers: If you'd rather not spend Microsoft Rewards points or real money, you can also qualify for a free year of Windows 10 extended security updates by backing up your data and settings using the new Windows Backup app. You can use this app to back up your data and settings to Microsoft's OneDrive servers. By default every Windows 10 user gets 5GB of free OneDrive space, and it's possible to get more by either paying or taking advantage of free offers. But even if you don't have enough OneDrive space to back up all your data, you can at least back up your Windows settings and whatever else you can fit in OneDrive and still get the free year of Windows 10 ESU program updates. However, be aware that this means trusting Microsoft with your data. Look, at some point you should probably bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows 11. I didn't love it at first either, but once I got used to the visual redesign and some of the essential Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts I was able to work a lot more comfortably in the latest edition of Windows. So if you want to get ahead of things and upgrade to Windows 11 before Microsoft forces you, the first thing you need to do is verify your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements to upgrade. You can do this by using Microsoft's PC Health Check app, which will tell you whether or not your PC can make the change. If you do qualify to upgrade to Windows 11, I recommend you back up your files and upgrade immediately. You can back up your files using the free Windows Backup app or one of the best cloud backup services around, then use the Windows Update app (hit the Start button and type "Windows Update" to find it) to upgrade to Windows 11. If that doesn't work, you can check out our guide to how to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 for detailed step-by-step instructions. Once you've upgraded, your PC will restart and you'll be living that Windows 11 lifestyle. If you don't quality, I'm afraid you should probably look into buying a new PC to make the jump to Windows 11. While it was possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs (typically those lacking TPM 2.0 modules) for some time, Microsoft has cracked down on those loopholes over the years as it works to make Windows 11 more secure. So if your PC is too old to make the switch, I heartily recommend you upgrade your PC. The best Windows laptops on the market right now are amazing machines that are lighter, faster and longer-lasting than any Windows laptop of the last decade—and I should know, since I've been reviewing laptops for roughly 15 years. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Windows 10 support ends on October 14, but you can keep getting security fixes using this trick
If you are a Windows 10 user, let us remind you that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support status on 14 October 2025. This means that after this date, technical assistance, updates, and security will no longer be available for the platform, which leaves only a few options. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. The first is to upgrade to Windows 11 if your device supports it. This update is free for current owners of Windows 10 devices. However, your hardware must support Windows 11 in order to download it. Alternatively, you can keep using Windows 10 and still get support by using the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. Here's how it works. What Is the Windows ESU Programme And How To Enroll? The Windows ESU programme is designed for those users who want to keep using Windows 10 and not upgrade to Windows 11 at present. This programme provides access to security updates from Microsoft, but it does not include technical support or any feature upgrades. But, too, will run out on October 13, 2026, giving you one full year of security. This will be a paid experience with a $30 one time fee. Or you may be able to get it for free if you are backing your PC or if you have enough Microsoft Rewards points to redeem. To enrol in this programme, note that it is only available for Windows 10 version 22H2. You need to go to Settings, then to Update & Security, and then to Windows Update. There, you will see a link to enrol in the ESU programme. If you meet the prerequisites, Microsoft will give you the option for the ESU programme. Now, if you backup your PC settings, you will get the ESU programme at no extra cost. You will also see your Microsoft Rewards points total and can redeem them for the programme, or you can make a one-time $30 purchase. Who Is It For? If your device is ineligible for Windows 11, getting the Windows 10 ESU makes sense, as you will still receive security updates. It goes without saying but upgrading to a new Windows 11 PC could be an expensive affair that you may not want to undertake right now. Therefore, paying $30 for the ESU is considerably cheaper than upgrading to a whole new PC, which is why Microsoft is offering this option. MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price
The Verge
07-07-2025
- The Verge
Windows 11 has finally overtaken Windows 10 as the most used desktop OS
Microsoft has finally crossed an important milestone for Windows 11, months ahead of Windows 10's end of support cutoff date. Stat Counter, spotted by Windows Central, now lists Windows 11 as the most used desktop operating system nearly four years after its release, with 52 percent of the market, compared to 44.59 percent for Windows 10. Windows 11 became the most popular OS for PC gaming in September, but overall adoption had still been lagging behind Windows 10 until now. Leaked data in October 2023 also revealed Windows 11 was used by more than 400 million devices at the time, a slower adoption pace than Windows 10 — which took just a year to reach 400 million devices compared to Windows 11's two year period. Part of the slow adoption is down to Windows 11's hardware requirements. While Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 users, millions of machines have been left behind due to stricter CPU and security requirements. Microsoft has been trying to convince the owners of these machines to upgrade their hardware in order to get Windows 11, sometimes with a full-screen prompt. Windows 10 is due to reach end of support on October 14th, and Microsoft recently revealed it would give away a free year of extra security updates to consumers if they were willing to enable Windows Backup and sync their Documents folder to OneDrive. If you don't want to do this, you'll have to pay $30 for a year of updates, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Consumer group slams Microsoft for leaving Windows 10 users stuck without options
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. After that, users won't get security updates unless they pay or pick special options. One option Microsoft gave is to pay $30 for one more year of security updates, till October is a first-time offer for regular users, and not everyone is happy about it, as mentioned in the report by TechRadar. Now, Microsoft added two new ways to avoid paying $30: Use the Windows Backup app to save your data to OneDrive. Or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points instead of cash. But the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) says that's not good enough. PIRG fights against tech waste and supports longer product life, according to the report. Many old PCs can't upgrade to Windows 11 PIRG's Lucas Rockett Gutterman says 400 million PCs can't upgrade to Windows 11. These older PCs will be 'junked' just because they don't meet Windows 11's strict hardware rules. Gutterman believes Microsoft should do more, like give longer support for Windows 10 automatically or make Windows 11 work on older PCs, as per the report by TechRadar. ALSO READ: Trump brags about planting Elon Musk drug abuse story in NYT — 'I made that happen' He also said most people feel confused and frustrated. 'Users feel yanked around,' and these updates won't fix the bigger problem. Tech expert Darren Allan thinks adding the Backup app option is a positive step. But it's still not enough to solve the long-term problem, according to the reports. Live Events Experts say one year of support isn't enough He points out businesses get 3 years of extra updates, while consumers only get one. That's unfair, especially with so many PCs still working fine. He suggests Microsoft should think about giving 2–3 more years of updates to consumers. Even if ads were added in return, it might be worth it, according to the report by TechRadar. The bigger issue is preventing e-waste, says both PIRG and Darren Allan. Millions of devices could end up in landfills even though they still work well. Conclusion: PIRG and experts agree Microsoft must take more responsibility. A single year of support and minor options aren't enough to stop a major tech waste crisis, as per the reports. FAQs Q1. What will happen to Windows 10 after October 2025? Microsoft will stop free security updates for Windows 10 after October 2025, unless users pay or choose new options. Q2. Can old PCs upgrade to Windows 11? Most older PCs can't upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware rules set by Microsoft.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Don't want to switch to Windows 11? There is one last way to stick with Windows 10 a little longer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If you've been dreading the day Windows 10 officially loses support, coming up in October, you can still buy yourself a little more time before switching to Windows 11. Microsoft has announced an update to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, which gives users an extra year of updates for a $30 fee. At least, that used to be the fee. Now Microsoft is offering an option to get the extra year of security updates for free. Individual users can now opt into the Windows 10 ESU program by simply turning on Windows Backup, which regularly stores a backup of your files and settings in case you ever need to restore your PC. This feature is completely free to use and turning it on takes just a couple of clicks in your settings (where you can also customize what data it does and doesn't back up). Alternatively, you can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points rather than paying the $30 ESU fee. Microsoft Rewards points come from things like purchases in the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. You might be able to find some in your couch cushions or rolling around the footwells of your car. Anyone with an up-to-date version of Windows 10 can sign up for the ESU program any time between now and when the program ends on October 13, 2026 (one year after Windows 10 officially loses support). Keep in mind, this program is still just a temporary fix. You'll only get one extra year of updates and they'll only be for critical security patches, not quality of life or feature updates. At the end of that final year of updates, you'll be on your own. Windows 10 will technically keep working, but it's usually not advisable to keep using an operating system after it's no longer getting security updates, so you'll have to either upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to a different OS. I opted to install Linux on my (formerly) Windows 10 PC rather than switch to Windows 11 and it's been a surprisingly good solution for me. Linux isn't ideal for everything, though, and can come with a bit of a learning curve. So, if you really don't want to use Windows 11 and Linux isn't your cup of tea, switching to a Mac might be your only option. But at least now you can get an extra year on Windows 10 before deciding what operating system you want to run on next. 2025 games: This year's upcoming releasesBest PC games: Our all-time favoritesFree PC games: Freebie festBest FPS games: Finest gunplayBest RPGs: Grand adventuresBest co-op games: Better together
